Mirage Beyond Flames

Gerard Leon and Linda Coriola fight for the same cause. The attractive, noble, dedicated French doctor and the beautiful, sensitive Italian sculptress both donate their time and money to Hope – a clinic for children’s cancer research and treatment.From the moment they meet, even the air between them crackles with intense attraction. But her past makes it difficult for Gerard to understand her scars and battle with her demons. In search of a cure for cancer and armed with an innovative treatment themselves, they leave for Transylvania, that enigmatic land hidden in the heart of the Carpathians.There they get lost and have a bizarre experience in the Hoia-Baciu forest, nicknamed The Romanian Bermuda Triangle due to all the inexplicable paranormal phenomena happening in its depths.But no one believes them, because they don’t have any proof of said experience. Or do they?...*Mirage Beyond Flames is the sister-story of Dante’s Amulet.

Excerpt

She looked at him, speechless. The games of light and shadow coming from the screen reflected on his face. One moment, they emphasized only his deep eyes that watched her with their unmoving spark. Then the light fell over his lips, sensual and so alluring, capable of offering the most skillful kisses. When he leaned in closer to her, his warm breath made her whole body tremble with desire.An almost electrifying shiver ran through her from head to toe at the first touch of his lips. When the kiss intensified, passion seized them both, engulfing them in thousands of sensations, nameless but of a crushing profoundness.When he drew her against him, running his hands over her soft skin, she was lost in his touch, in the masculine scent stirring her senses. She felt his lips and steamy breath over the sensitive skin of her neck, turning all her doubts into imaginary ashes. She wanted this man with every particle of her being, and his every gesture proved that he was as lost as she was in the intensity of those same feelings.Gerard drew back from her slowly, then stood and turned off the TV. They both remained in darkness—two silhouettes in the weak light sneaking through a window.He enfolded her in his arms again, whispering with his lips on hers, “Where’s the bedroom? Show me.”With her heart racing madly, she took his hand and headed toward the stairs. Then they were lost to the silence and blackness.The same diffused lunar light streamed through the windows of the bedroom, and a vague floral smell perfumed the air.Next to the bed, he drew her into his arms without a word. He kissed her deeply, exploring her naked back with his rough palms. Under her curtain of hair, he found the strap that held her dress in place, tied at the nape of her neck. He slowly untied it and the white dress glided to the floor with a sensuous rustle.They remained face to face. She, naked, and he, still fully dressed—an erotic tableau in the moonlight.He lowered her tenderly onto the bed, then rose and began undressing. Each inch of naked, gorgeous body exuded pure masculinity. Linda had the impression her own skin radiated mists of lust. She studied his strong arms, the networks of veins subtly outlined, his magnificent chest covered with soft, golden hair. Her eyes travelled down to his abdomen, perfectly sculpted and proportioned, as the rest of him, revealed below.She sighed deeply. For a split second, in the vertigo of emotions tangled in her soul, a trace of insecurity and fear of the unknown shadowed her euphoric state.But when she felt him close, massive and hard, all rational thoughts turned to smoke and dissipated in the moonlight, leaving the two solitary figures in the night to become one, enraptured by passion’s abyss.

Dante's Amulet

Italian businessman Giovanni Coriola and English target-shooting trainer Sonia Galsworthy have only two things in common—a sizzling chemistry and no desire for commitment. When they meet in London, the world starts spinning faster and they quickly become addicted to each other. The incendiary passion between them skyrockets into smoldering, once-in-a-lifetime love. Just as they thought they had things settled, a strange discovery triggers a mysterious spiral of events that puts their lives in danger more than once, with no apparent reason.What connection could there be between an ancient amulet, a secret society and the long-dead poet Dante Alighieri? A sinister, complicated conspiracy that gradually catches up with the characters. And of course, one last twist before the ending.*Dante’s Amulet is a follow-up of Mirage Beyond Flames.

Excerpt

She knew he was going to kiss her and she wished for it so much she ached. She closed her eyes, feeling his breath on her lips, his hand cupping the back of her head. His sensual lips touched hers and an explosion of passion made her dizzy when she tasted his hot tongue. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, and her tongue explored his mouth without restraint. His hand slid to her ribcage, gently at first, then his grip tightened as the smoldering pressure built between them, making her stomach tighten. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and she yearned to be caressed by his strong hands. He stroked the side of her breast and she moaned softly, her breath mixing with his. When his hand squeezed her breast, discovering it bare through the thin material, they both gasped. He tore his mouth from hers, whispering roughly, “God, Sonia, I want you so much.” He supported his forehead on hers, while they both breathed heavily. The car windows were steamy, but not nearly as steamy as their skin, which was feverish with desire. Sonia doubted she could feel cold even if he dragged her outside in the snow, naked, and made love to her right there. She bit her lip and pressed her palms to her burning cheeks. Giovanni had probably mistaken her gesture, because he drew back a little. He looked her in the eyes, intently, saying in that same rough voice, “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. It’s just that…I couldn’t stop myself. This attraction I feel for you is more powerful than anything I’ve ever experienced. I never lose control, Sonia, but…I can’t be around you and not touch you. Do you feel it too?” She nodded slowly, their eyes still locked, as their bodies longed to be. “I do, Giovanni. Don’t apologize. I wanted you to touch me, but I don’t want you to think I’m…easy.” “I could never think that,” he told her, brushing her hair away from her forehead. “You are special, Sonia. I’m not just saying that so I can sleep with you—though God as my witness, I want you more than anything. What I feel when I’m with you is special, and I sense you feel that too.” She sighed deeply, gazing at him. “I do feel it and it scares the hell out of me. I hoped it was just my hormones, since it’s been over a year since I…had a relationship. I only had a couple of lovers, Giovanni. I’m not a party girl, not the kind you must be used to. Maybe you just want a change, something to distract you during your vacation. It’s all right.” She hastily raised a hand to stall the protest she saw coming from him. “I told you I’m not looking for a commitment either, so…I’m okay with this. We should just enjoy each other—no strings attached.” He looked at her as though he wanted to say something, but decided against it. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kissed her swiftly and got out of the car. She sat in her own car, watching his headlights fading into the night and waiting for her heart to settle. She prayed she’d be able to pick up the broken pieces of her soul when he left her and returned to Italy.

About the Author

Melinda De Ross (real name Anca-Melinda Coliolu) is an international author of Romanian origin. She writes in two languages, and her books combine the elegance specific to the European style with the modern appeal of the American culture. Her favorite genre to read and write in is Romance, and anytime she prefers to watch a classic movie instead of going to a noisy club.